Putta vatthu manussanam
Youth are foundations of all human beings.
One who has wisdom is considered an adult although he is young by age.
Having a big body but foolish, he is considered not an adult. (Jataka, 27/24)
Background
Worldwide, there are more than 1.2 billion young people, making this the largest generation of youth ever recorded in the human history.
The world’s youth face an alarming paradox: they are the most educated generation in history, yet many are trapped in cycles of poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.
According to the World Youth Report, over 71 million young people are unemployed globally, with millions more in precarious jobs. In India alone, youth unemployment reached 15.79% in 2023 and is projected to rise to 22%. This crisis is compounded by a mismatch between education and job market demands, leaving young people unable to realize their potential.
Education remains a cornerstone for development, yet UNESCO data reveals that 263 million children and youth—one in five globally—are out of school. Meanwhile, social exclusion affects nearly 32% of the global population, particularly in South Asia and East Asia, where caste, religion, and gender inequalities exacerbate marginalisation.
Mental health is another critical issue. The WHO reports that 13% of youth suffer from mental health disorders, with suicide being the fourth leading cause of death among young people. Despite advances in technology and healthcare, systemic inequalities persist, threatening the well-being of future generations. Urgent reforms are needed to address these challenges and create a sustainable world where young people can thrive.
What does Buddha say…
Sakyarupam pure santam maya sippam na sikkhatam Kiccha vutti asippassa iti pacchanutappati.
Who does not learn any skill when he was young to do so, later he will lament to himself that
'why did I not learn before?' Because one without skill is difficult to live. (Jataka, 27/330)
In the crucible of our chaotic world, the timeless wisdom of the Buddha shines like a beacon. Imagine Siddhartha Gautama, were he alive today, scrolling through Twitter or witnessing climate protests. His teachings, far from dusty relics, are living antidotes to our modern malaise.
Thich Nhat Hanh's Engaged Buddhism and Dr. Ambedkar's focus on economic justice exemplify how these ancient principles can address contemporary challenges.
For today's youth, drowning in a sea of notifications and existential dread, the Eightfold Path isn't just philosophy – it's a life raft. Vipassana meditation isn't about escaping reality, but facing it head-on, with the calm of a martial artist.
The Buddha's teachings aren't gathering dust in ancient texts. They're alive, evolving, and more relevant than ever – a user's manual for the human spirit in the digital age.
There is not a specific Sutta that purely focuses on youths, rather it is diversified into many like in Sigalovada Sutta: The Discourse to Sigala, Mangala Sutta, Parabhava Sutta, and Vyagghapajja Sutta.
Sigalovada Sutta a part of Digha Nikaya (31), is a key Buddhist text that serves as a “layperson’s code of discipline,” offering practical guidance on ethical living and social relationships
In one of the Buddha’s sermons to young Sigala, he mentions that, “Inasmuch, young householder, as the noble disciple has eradicated the four vices in conduct, inasmuch as he commits no evil action in four ways, inasmuch as he pursues not the six channels for dissipating wealth, he thus, avoiding these fourteen evil things, covers the six quarters, and enters the path leading to victory in both worlds: he is favored in this world and in the world beyond. Upon the dissolution of the body, after death, he is born in a happy heavenly realm.”
The Sigalovada Sutta’s teachings offer valuable guidance for youth navigating the uncertainties of 21st century by providing an ethical foundation, offering relational wisdom, financial prudence, holistic success, social responsibility, interpersonal skills, mental well-being and cultural competence.
Mangala Sutta, outlines 38 highest blessings focuses on being well-trained in discipline, pleasant speech, supporting parents and cherishing family, engaging in peaceful occupation, generosity and rightful conduct, and comprehension of the Noble Truth.
Parabhava Sutta, provides details of downfall that must be avoided. In this sutta, several causes of downfall particularly relevant for youths are mentioned like, associating with the wicked and not delighting in the virtuous, being fond of sleep, indolent, lazy and irritable, not supporting parents, deceiving teachers, having wealth but enjoying luxuries alone, being proud of birth, wealth and clan, being a rake, drunkard, gambler and squandering earnings, not being content with one’s spouse and pursuing others, and having unrealistic cravings
Vyagghapajja Sutta also known as Dighajanu Sutta, offers advice on achieving worldly success and spiritual progress, also address youth concerns. These teachings provide essential guidance on personal development, ethical behaviour, and navigating social dynamics.
This Sutta provides four conditions for worldly success:
1. Utthana-Sampada (Initiative): Encourages youth to be diligent, hardworking, and engagement in occupation should be righteousness.
2. Arakkha-Sampada (Protection): Advices on safeguarding wealth earned through righteous means.
3. Kalyanamittata (Good Friendship): Emphasises the importance of associating with virtuous and wise companions.
4. Samajivikata (Balanced Livelihood): Promotes living within one’s means and avoiding extravagance.
In Samyuttanikaya (V:29-31), youth should cultivate seven essential qualities for a fulfilling life and personal growth. These qualities, referred to as the "auroras of a good life" or the "dawn of education," ensure a path toward comprehensive human development and nobility.
They are:
1. Kalyanamittata: Having good friends who provide wisdom and positive examples.
2. Sila-sampada: Achieving moral perfection through disciplined living.
3. Chanda-sampada: Nurturing a strong desire for learning and positive action.
4. Atta-sampada: Committing to personal training to realise one's full potential.
5. Ditthi-sampada: Developing a correct understanding of cause and effect, adhering to
the principle of conditionality.
6. Appamada-sampada: Cultivating constant mindfulness and attentiveness.
7. Yonisomanasikara-sampada: Practicing wise reflection to discern truth and achieve
real benefit.
Conclusion
In the crucible of the 21st century, where TikTok trends clash with timeless truths, Buddha's teachings emerge as an unlikely superhero for today's youth. Imagine the Four Noble Truths as a GPS for the soul, guiding young minds through the labyrinth of modern existence.
The Eightfold Path? It's not just ancient wisdom—it's a high-performance toolkit for life, upgrading resilience and self-awareness faster than the latest smartphone update.
Buddhist mindfulness isn't your garden-variety meditation app. It's Samma Sati—a mental martial art that armors the psyche against the slings and arrows of outrageous social media.
This isn't just about finding your zen; it's about rewiring your brain for peak performance in the attention economy.
But here's the plot twist: Buddha's blueprint for youth isn't just about personal enlightenment. It's a manifesto for social revolution.
By interweaving personal growth with communal harmony, these teachings aren't just changing lives—they're reshaping societies.
As climate anxiety and social unrest reach fever pitch, the Buddha's wisdom offers more than solace. It's a call to arms for a generation poised on the precipice of change. In this high-stakes game of global challenges, young Buddhists aren't just players—they're the ultimate power-ups, equipped to level up themselves and the world around them.